Page 1
Setting: Maple City West Hospital, hallway near emergency area. 6:15 pm. Devlon and Chase stand in front of a vending machine, looking for drinks. Devlon looks down, still processing everything.
Devlon: "..."
Exhausted, Chase looks at the same drinks over and over again.
Chase: "Talk to me, bro."
Devlon: "I can't believe they shot her. There was no threat present. We kept telling them not to shoot."
Devlon balls up a fist.
Devlon: "They wouldn't listen. It's like we were speaking a different language or something."
Chase: "There was no threat, but they see us as one."
Devlon: "But she's a child. How often can someone say they felt threatened by a child? What's more, we're also part of the force, for God's sake!"
Chase finally manages to make a selection of bottled water.
Chase:This'll do. "Dev, you really should get out more."
Devlon: "What do you mean? I get out plenty."
Chase: "Outside of missions, you don't. That's what I mean. You've only been out while doing missions from behind the scenes."
Page 2
*FLASHBACK*
The following is a compilation of flashbacks, narrated by Chase (off screen), starting with a flashback displaying Devlon kicking a t-rex in the middle of what looks like a jungle.
Charles (off screen): "Remember that time they cloned dinosaurs and made a family-friendly money grab theme park?"
Near the t-rex is a boy and girl trapped in a yellow jeep.
Girl: "He left us! HE LEFT US!"
Devlon: "Don't worry, I'll save you!" This theme park is a stupid idea!
The next flashback displays Devlon slashing mutated-looking people while civilians and cops alike run away.
Chase (off screen): "Or the time you saved those people when the Mole People attacked?"
The final flashback displays Devlon dashing while carrying two small children out of a burning building.
Chase (off screen): "Or when you rescued those kids after a rap battle went wrong when they were spitting too much heat and a fire broke out? You disappeared shortly after."
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Page 3
Back to the present. The conversation with Chase and Devlon continues.
Devlon: "Yeah…that last one was kinda weird. But what's your point?"
Chase: "People either didn't notice you because they were too scared in the moment of danger, or you disappeared shortly after rescuing them."
Devlon tilts his head.
Devlon: "..."
Chase turns to face Devlon.
Chase: "My point is, you never get to see the real relationship between humans and irregulars. You complete a mission and disappear before any interactions."
Devlon: "I know there are some that fear us. But those cops… shouldn't even be on the force. They'll get what's coming to them once everything hits the media."
Chase: "What do you think will happen?"
Devlon: "What do you mean? After what they did to Iris, I see those monsters getting locked up!"
Eyes closed, Chase lowers his head and lets out a sigh.
Chase: "..."
He grabs a few drinks from the machine.
Chase: "I just hope we get some good news soon. Let's head back to the waiting room."
Page 4
Back in the waiting room, Jasmine and Wendy continue their conversation from earlier. Wendy tilts her head, confused.
Wendy: "You have a problem with… my face?"
Jasmine: "Yup."
Wendy: "O-kay? Care to elaborate?"
Jasmine lets out a sigh.
Jasmine: "You should go a little easier on Devie. I know you've been frustrated with him, but he's had it rough the past year."
Wendy: "What do you mean?"
Jasmine closes her eyes.
Jasmine: "We all lost someone a little over a year ago. She was like the sweet sis of the group, so it hit us pretty hard. But it's been even harder for Devie."
Wendy: "What happened?"
Jasmine: "Hmph. Not in the mood to share the details."
Wendy: "It's been a rough day. I don't expect you to relive those details."
Jasmine: "Hm, so you can be sweet. Just like her."
Wendy:I'll ignore that last part. "Her?"
Jasmine: "Yeah. Her name was Karla."
Wendy's eyes light up at the mention of Karla's name.
Wendy: "Karla?" The same name as before?
Page 5
*FLASHBACK*
Wendy flashes back to the time where she and Devlon were in a simulation together, back in chapter 9. The flashback displays Devlon dashing towards Wendy.
Devlon: "I'm coming, Karla!"
Wendy: "Who?"
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Back to the present, Wendy bites a nail.
Wendy:So that's who he was calling out for. "So, is it because I'm like a new replacement or something?"
Jasmine: "Not really. Devie and Karla were exceptionally close."
Jasmine shakes her head, then stares into Wendy's eyes.
Jasmine: "And you look almost identical to her. Seeing you for the first time felt like she came back from the dead."
Wendy: "I'm sorry. So that's why he's so serious…"
Jasmine: "Nah, he's always been that way. But he's on edge around you."
Wendy: "I see. I can see you're protective over him. You two must be really close."
Jasmine: "Why don't you just spit it out. You wanna know if we're together, huh?"
Jasmine rolls her eyes.
Jasmine: "Ha! Been there, done that!"
Wendy: "..."
Jasmine: "I'm just messin'. He's more like a brother to me. Where do you think we are, Alabama?"
Wendy:What's an Alabama?
Page 6
Jasmine casually hunches her shoulders.
Jasmine: "Don't worry, he's all yours."
Wendy: "What!? No, that's not what I meant."
Jasmine: "I know what you were asking. I know a cute couple when I see one."
Jasmine bursts out laughing, which startles Wendy.
Jasmine: "Bahahaha! I'm only teasing. I'll leave you alone now."
She then looks over at Wendy with a soft, tired smile.
Jasmine: "I guess you're alright. I can afford to be a little nicer to you."
Wendy: "Thanks?"
Her smile disappears about as quickly as it appeared. Now looking down, she lets out a deep sigh.
Jasmine: "I can't lose that kid. My parents, then Karla. But not Iris. I can't lose Iris."
Wendy: "Your parents, too?" Goodness!
Jasmine turns to Wendy. Wendy is very attentive. They're both tired, but Jasmine looks completely drained.
Jasmine: "Maybe I'm just emotional from today's events, but I'm good to share if you don't mind sitting through some more details."
Page 7
Time: 7:06 pm. Devlon and Chase make it back to the waiting area with the girls. Wendy sits in her seat with her head down. She looks very sad. Meanwhile, Jasmine guzzles the water Devlon and Chase brought her. Two empty bottles are at her feet. She was really thirsty.
Chase: "Man, you really needed that, huh?"
Jasmine: *gulp* "Mhm." *gulp gulp*
Devlon: "You should really take it easy when you're reaching your limit, Jazz."
Jasmine: "Nah, I'm all good now. Man, dehydration sucks."
Wendy: "Try coconut water. Works like a charm with hydration."
Jasmine: "Oh? I'll keep that in mind."
Some lady joins the scene.
Lady: "Hi. You're the family of Iris, right?"
Everyone jumps up in response to her question.
Devlon: "Is she alright?"
Chase: "She's probably scared. Can we see her, ma'am?"
Jasmine: "Is it finally done? She's okay?"
Wendy: "When can we see her?"
The lady looks to both sides, not knowing who to address first. She has light brown skin and stands at 5'4". Her brown hair stops at the shoulders. (For real life reference, her appearance is that of a Taiwanese woman). She leans in close to the gang.
Lady: "We successfully removed the bullet. She's been going in and out of consciousness as we try to stabilize her."
Page 8
This news makes the gang even more hopeful.
Chase: "Then, we can see her, right?"
Lady: "Well, she's not out of the clear yet. Look, try to keep your voices down."
The lady leans in even closer, signaling Chase and company to do the same.
Lady: "Irregular or not, I'm here to help the injured. But so as not to draw any more attention and potential conflict, I can't let you see her."
Jasmine: "What? What kind of crap is that?!"
Lady: "Shhh! Please hear me out. Things will get really bad if people start freaking out with irregulars in the back. I've already requested that they keep Iris's status as an irregular on the low."
The lady humbly lowers her head in sorry
Lady: "But it would only cause issues for Iris if things get complicated. I'm sorry."
Devlon:Why is this so complicated?
Chase: "Wait. Miss. What if only one of us goes? The human in our group?"
Close up of Wendy pointing to herself with a troubled, puzzled look.
Wendy: "What? Y-you mean me?"
Chase (off screen): "Wendy's human, plus she's a cop. Surely she can check in on Iris."
Wendy: "But.. I've known her for less time than the rest of you. It should be one of you."
Page 9
Karen rushes by and shouts at the lady who's currently speaking to the gang. Karen is accompanied by a nurse.
Karen: "May-Leeng, we need you to tend to the man in room R1. What are you doing here?"
Mei: "It's Mei-Ling. Anyway, I was on my way, but wanted to update these good people first, and show one of them the way to Iris's room."
One of the nurses whispers into Karen's ear.
Nurse: *whisper*
Karen: "Absolutely not! We already have one of those people back there, and you want to send in another?! The safety of our patients is top priority."
Mei: "They just want to check in on their loved one. Ya know, like anyone else?"
Devlon: "We just want to know how she's doing, ma'am."
Karen snaps at Devlon, appearing to be greatly offended by his remark.
Karen: "And you are? This is a hospital we're running, not some…"
Nurse: *Whisper*
Karen: "Wait, what?Are you serious?"
Karen looks Devlon up and down.
Karen: "That's the one who attacked those two brave cops earlier today? Oh, no. Terrorists like you should be locked up!"
Jasmine: "Who you think you talkin' to? Don't talk to him like that, you worthless piece of trash!"
Chase: "Jasmine, calm down."
Karen: "Ah! How dare you! Nurse, call the cops on these devils!"
Page 10
The nurse next to Karen pulls out her phone.
Close up on a hand tightly gripping the nurse's wrist.
Zooming out reveals that it's Wendy angrily gripping the nurse's wrist.
Wendy: "I am a cop."
Wendy snatches the lady's phone.
Wendy: "And I can have you turned in for bearing false witness against someone who's done nothing wrong! But I'll let it slide if you drop this and let us see Iris."
Nurse: "But, I can't. We still have rules to follow."
Karen: "It's probably best if you and your little friends wait outside while we do our jobs. We can call security if we feel it's for the patients' safety."
Wendy: "They didn't do anything!"
Meanwhile, Jasmine is stuck giving Karen the death stare. It appears as though divine intervention is the only thing keeping her from chin checking Karen.
Jasmine:Don't let me catch you outside.
Page 11
Mei-Ling speaks calmly to Wendy and the others.
Mei: "She's right. It's better to not make a scene."
Jasmine: "What?!"
Mei leans in on Jasmine and Wendy.
Mei: "Look, it's beyond my power to fight this. But I can still take you to her. Don't make things harder on Iris."
Chase: "Then please, take Wendy to see her."
Wendy: "No. I can't. It should be one of you."
Jasmine turns around, ready to walk away. But before she does, she places a firm hand on Wendy's shoulder, though she doesn't make eye contact.
Jasmine: "Iris might be scared in there all alone. You should go check in on her and make sure she's alright. Give her our love, okay?"
Eyes tightly shut, Wendy lowers her head.
Wendy: "Okay. I will. It's… just…" Not fair.
Mei: "This way."
Mei-Ling signals Wendy to follow her. Saddened, Wendy obliges, walking in the opposite direction of her friends.
Page 12
Jasmine, Devlon, and Chase walk away, heading outside. They look very distressed. Jasmine grips her hair with one hand, Chase hides his feelings behind the shades, and Devlon lowers his head, powerless in the situation. They're all distressed, angry, and above all, hurt. As they walk away, they painfully swallow their feelings.
Jasmine:MAN, this hurts.
Chase:Hang in there, kiddo. You're in good hands.
Devlon:Watch over her, Wendy.Please.
Page 13
Scene change. Meanwhile, Jade is outside the hospital, frantically pacing back and forth.
Jade: "So the boss is coming here, huh? But why? Does he plan on trying to recruit him? Or…does he plan on abducting him while they're all worn out?"
Jade shakes her head.
Jade:Nah. That's not like the boss at all. "Why am I so nervous?"
SFX: RING! RING!
She answers the phone.
Jade: "Hey, boss? Oh, you're here?"
Close up on the man's mouth.
Boss dude: "Yes. But I don't see you. Where's the emergency entrance?"
Jade palms her face and shakes her head.
Jade:Don't tell me… "Sir, are you lost again?"
Other end of the phone: "No, of course not."
Jade:He's totally lost
Page 14
Jade: "Okay. But just in case you didn't know, the emergency entrance is on the west side of the building."
Boss dude: "Of course. I'll be right there."
Swapping perspectives to the boss, we see a close up of a dark man with dreadlocks pulled into a ponytail. He stands at 6 feet. He wears a dark coat and has broad shoulders. Possibly muscular under the coat. He stands in front of the main entrance of the hospital.
Boss dude: "As soon as I figure out which way is west."
Page 15
Some time has passed. The time is now 7:40 pm. Wendy walks down the hall with Mei.
Wendy: "Thanks again, Ms…"
Mei: "Mei-Ling. You can call me Mei. And it's no problem at all."
Mei gives Wendy a warm smile. She almost seems excited.
Mei: "I've never encountered an irregular before. They're more…human than I imagined." Shorter, too. I pictured 8 feet. "Must be fascinating to have friends with cool abilities."
Wendy: "Yeah. They're something else, alright."
Mei: "Whoever it was that did the little freeze trick on that little girl's wound really helped. Stopped the bleeding. It also made it easier for us to numb her."
Wendy: "Oh, that was Jasmine. The dark skinned girl with the blue-ish hair."
They finally make their way to the door of a patient room.
Mei: "Well, she has my thanks. If no one else has the guts to admit it, she really helped us out. I can picture irregulars working here to save lives, if people wouldn't be so stubborn. Anyway, here we are. Take as much time as you need."
Wendy: "Thank you, Mei."
Wendy peeps her head into the room.
Wendy: "Iris?"
Iris is in her bed, sleeping.
Page 16
Wendy stands over Iris at the side of her bed. She's hooked up to an IV and a couple monitors. Oxygen is fed through her nostrils as well.
Wendy: "Oh, Iris."
Iris slowly opens her eyes.
Iris:Where… am I?
As her vision clears up, the distorted image of the person standing over her clears up as well.
Iris: "Wendy…sis?"
Wendy gives Iris a calm, loving smile as she runs her palm on the side of Iris' head.
Wendy: "Heeeey. How ya holding up, kiddo? You're in the hospital."
Iris: "What happened?"
Wendy: "Uh…"
Page 17
*FLASHBACK* Wendy flashes back to the time where Iris had just been shot. As Iris lay unresponsive on her back, Chase desperately tries to keep her awake and alert.
Chase: "Iris! Stay with me. Iris!"
*END OF FLASHBACK*
Back to the present, Wendy looks away for a moment, her most recent memory of Iris appearing too painful for her.
She looks back at Iris with a smile, closing her eyes to avoid eye contact.
Wendy: "You were really heroic when those bots attacked. But you overdid it and took a hard hit. That's all."
Iris: "Oops."
Wendy: "Oops is right. You had us all worried sick."
Iris: "Where is everyone else?"
Wendy: "They had to take care of a few things. But they wanted me to let you know they love you very much. Heck, you're pretty popular in the group, huh?"
Iris's tired face lights up with joy.
Iris: "I am? Yeah, I guess so."
Page 18
1 Hour later, Wendy continues to keep Iris company, not leaving her side.
Iris: "Hey Wendy? Can I ask you something?"
Wendy: "Of course. What's up?"
Iris: "Father Franciscus. He says…to remember boundaries and…titles. I keep calling you 'sis.' Is that okay?"
Wendy: "Huh? Yeah, sure."
Suddenly, Iris holds up her hand with the little strength she has. She holds out a shaky pinky. This puzzles Wendy.
Wendy: "Huh? What's this?"
Iris: "It's the pinky promise, silly."
Iris smiles at Wendy.
Iris: "I do this when I gain a new sibling. I have a sis in Jasmine. But you can be my sis too."
She lets out an exhausted sigh.
Iris: "You're one of us, after all."
The girl's sweet words take Wendy by surprise. Her eyes begin to swell with tears, but she holds it together.
Page 19
Wendy: "Can't argue with that. Well, I've always wanted a real sister."
Iris: "Then it's settled."
The two connect their pinkies, solidifying the pinky promise. Iris smiles at Wendy with her eyes closed.
Iris: "With the power vested in me, I declare us sisters." ^_^
Wendy: "Yeah. Sisters."
Close up on their hands, their pinkies tightly locked together.
Page 20
Iris's smile slowly fades, her expression getting weaker by the second. Her pinky's grip loosens abruptly.
Wendy: "Iris?"
Iris is no longer conscious.
Wendy takes a look at the monitor displaying Iris's vitals.
Wendy:Okay, vitals are still good. "She must be exhausted." I know I am.
She places Iris's hand on her (Iris's) chest and gives her time to snooze.
Wendy: "I'll let everyone know how you're doing, then I'll be back, kiddo."
As she opens the door to leave, she takes one last look at Iris.
Wendy: "Okay kiddo-er, um…yeah. Get some rest, sis."
Page 21
At the same time, Boss Dude is seen walking through the halls.
Boss dude: "I don't know how long it would have taken to find this area if not for some assistance."
Nurses and doctors walk right past him without batting an eye. Some even greet him.
Boss dude: "I snag one little I.D. and they don't question a thing."
Off screen female voice: "I'll be back for you."
The sound of the female voice catches his attention. Straight ahead of him is Wendy, who's leaving Iris's room.
The two of them walk right past each other, Boss Dude making his way towards Iris's room, and Wendy making her way back to the emergency entrance.
He turns around for a moment, watching as Wendy walks through the emergency double doors.
Boss dude: "So that's the cop lady, huh? Well, she's not my target right now."
Boss dude makes it to Iris's room.
Page 22
The Boss Dude stands over a sleeping Iris.
Boss dude: "I'll have plenty of time with the rest of them. But I'll deal with this one, first."
Irregulars aren't allowed in the back and Wendy's on her way outside to her friends. Iris lays in her bed completely defenseless.
Chapter 22: Part 2 End